The brainchild of former Kent student Laura Judd ’17, the EMT/Firehouse Club was formally registered this year by Dhwani Bharvad ’18 and Robert (Robby) Lane ’18 under the supervision of Mrs. Sokolnicki. The club works with the Kent Volunteer Fire Department to teach club members various safety protocols. Lane coordinates the junior firefighting side of the club, while Bharvad is in charge of the emergency medical training.

On the firefighting side of things, training begins simply; club members are taught the basics of working a fire hose and pumping. From there, club members can work towards getting certified as a junior firefighter. In order to get the certificate, one must pass a physical exam and learn by heart the fire department’s mission: “To preserve and protect life, limb and property from fire and other hazards.”

Club members can also earn EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) or EMR (Emergency Medical Responder) certifications through classes offered by the fire department. These training sessions not only include lectures from a certified instructor but also offer hands-on experience for the students to get familiar with the ins and outs of an ambulance. Like the junior firefighter training, club members must be prepared to devote their time and effort into becoming a certified emergency responder.

Besides the training, the club also attend various town-wide social events with the fire department. These events include the Stuff-A-Truck/Santa Express, which give out Christmas presents to children, and the annual Parade of Lights.

Despite Bharvard, Lane, and Mrs. Sokolnicki’s best efforts, none of these events would have been possible without the aid of Bonnie Donzella. She acts as a liaison between the club and the fire department and inspires many of the club’s activities.